Sad News

 Exeter - Wesley "Wes" Stephen Nickerson Sr., 87, died May 19, 2014, at RiverWoods of Exeter after battling a brief illness, with his family by his side. He was born May 8, 1927, in Exeter, son of the late Albert Martin Nickerson and Winnie (Carter) Nickerson.Wes grew up in Exeter. He left school early to join the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he re-entered high school with the other veterans and graduated from Exeter High School. In 1969, Wes opened Nickerson Auto Parts in Exeter, opened another store in Raymond and ran the business for more than 25 years.Wes was a longtime resident of Exeter and was formerly of Brentwood and East Kingston. He served as selectman in East Kingston for 12 years. Wes was a 50-year member of the Star in the East Masonic Lodge 59 in Exeter. He was also a 40-plus-year member of the Exeter Rotary Club and had served as president. Wes was on the board of directors at the Exeter Cooperative Bank, and he was one of the founders on the board to initiate the creation of the Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter. He was also a 50-plus-year member of the Congregational Church of Exeter, UCC.Wes was predeceased by two wives, Lorraine Nickerson and Beverly Nickerson.He is survived by six people who were honored to call him dad, Wesley S. Nickerson Jr. and his wife, Gail, of Brentwood, Dale Nickerson of Phoenix, Ariz., Lloyd Nickerson and his wife, Linda, of Salisbury, N.C., Lynne Nickerson of Kittery, Maine, Richard L. Eaton II and his wife, Sharon, of Dublin, Ohio, and Christopher M. Eaton of Vershire, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.. SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter.Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.Burial will follow in the Exeter Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.